In addition to lingering concern over the impact of new supply, investors are now even more cautious on the containerboard stocks due to industry data showing growth moderating and persistently elevated inventories, Deutsche Bank analyst Debbie Jones tells investors in a research note titled "Thinking about downside risk to containerboard stocks." Trade publication Pulp and Paper Week also highlighted some domestic discounting and declining export prices while quoting bearish commentary from industry contacts and analysts regarding market conditions, adds the analyst. She lowered her price target for Hold-rated International Paper (IP) to $46 from $55, for Buy-rated WestRock (WRK) to $51 from $58 and for Hold-rated Packaging Corp. of America to $100 from $120.

Wells Fargo lowered the firm's price target on International Paper (IP) to $37 from $42 and keeps an Equal Weight rating on the shares. While improving containerboard fundamentals are positive for International Paper, Wells believes the DS Smith (DITHF) merger remains an overhang, the analyst tells investors in a research note. In addition, the firm says it remains unclear how long or what level of return is associated with increased spend across the company's Industrial Packaging operations.

Reports Q1 revenue $4.62B, consensus $4.56B. "International Paper made progress executing our strategic initiatives in the first quarter,'' said Mark Sutton, chairman and CEO. "We saw commercial benefits from our business strategies, as well as cost benefits from mill system optimization. Although costs remain elevated and volumes were seasonally lower in the quarter, market trends continue to improve."